Hishou

The Yoshida Brothers have been the darlings of Tsugaru Shamisen since they were kids. Now, they have found a new audience both in Japan and in the West. Chances are that if you are interested in Tsugaru Shamisen the Yoshida guys will be the first music you'll hear.This is one of their better albums and an excellent place to start. Although some are of the opinion that the Yoshida's are seriously overhyped, there's no denying that a lot of their discs, especially the ones released in the west, are a mishmash of nice classic folk songs and atrocious cross over pieces that barely rise above cheap New Age schlock.So why's this album one of their best? Because these guys can play, they have the technique, and the barebones presentation on Hishou allows them to shine. Pieces like Kodo and Modern are splendid compositions linking the classic Tsugaru songs such as Aiya Bushi, Ajigasawa Jinku and Ringo Bushi together. There's a lot of variety here, and a good balance of songs to boot.Furthermore, if you are interested in Tsugaru music as a whole, you'll have a few canonical Tsugaru min'yo songs together on one disc. The only letdown is their overly long and drawn out, sleep inducing version of Shin Jongara Bushi.If you liked this album, be warned that most of their other stuff isn't anything like this. Yoshida Brothers I to III have a few gems among a slew of shamisen kitsch, and I'll stay silent on Asian Drums I and II. This is the album for your collection, approach all others with extreme caution.